New Year in Kazakhstan: interesting places for an unforgettable holiday

New Year is a time of miracles, new beginnings and vivid impressions. In Kazakhstan, this is a special holiday that combines the comfort of family gatherings and exciting trips. The country offers many amazing places where you can celebrate the New Year on a grand scale or in solitude among nature.

For those who dream of a festive atmosphere of a big city, Almaty becomes an ideal choice. The city, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau, is decorated with millions of lights, and local parks turn into winter fairy tales. A popular place to celebrate the holiday is the ski resort of Shymkent. Here you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding or spend the evening in one of the cozy restaurants overlooking the snow-capped peaks. By the way, last year Shymkent received more than 500 thousand visitors during the winter season, which confirms its popularity.

Astana is becoming another point of attraction. The New Year is celebrated grandly in the capital of Kazakhstan. The main squares are decorated with light installations, and ice rinks attract residents and visitors of the city. Here you can also visit festive fairs, taste Kazakh national dishes and enjoy open-air concerts. Bayterek is especially popular, which offers a magnificent view of the evening city.

Those who want to celebrate the holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city should pay attention to Burabai. This region, nicknamed "Kazakhstan Switzerland", offers a unique opportunity to spend the New Year among pine forests and picturesque lakes. Local sanatoriums and recreation centers prepare special New Year's programs, including sleigh rides, excursions and traditional treats. According to the tourism committee, last year Burabai received more than 150,000 tourists during the winter period.

Fans of the ethnic atmosphere and national flavor should go to Turkestan. This ancient city combines rich history and modern infrastructure. You can celebrate the New Year here by visiting the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi or enjoying traditional Kazakh dishes in one of the ethnic restaurants. Turkestan has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, and over a million people visited it in 2023.

Kazakhstan becomes a real wonderland in winter, offering a choice of cozy cities, picturesque natural corners and cultural attractions. No matter where you decide to spend the New Year, the holiday in Kazakhstan will give you warm memories and magical moments.